VISUAL REPORTS
Armenian Protest Leader Formally Appointed Prime Minister
Armenia’s Prime Minister-elect Nikol Pashinian met on May 8 with President Armen Sarkisian, who formally signed into power Pashinian’s appointment.
Moscow's Red Square Hosts Victory Day Parade
Warplanes flew overhead, thousands of troops marched, and heavy weapons such as Iskander missile launchers rolled across Moscow's Red Square during Russia’s annual military parade on May 9 marking the anniversary of Germany's defeat in World War II.
A New Zion Near Odesa
They don't use contraceptives and they don't attend universities. The Evangelical Christian Holy Zionists are a Ukrainian religious community founded in the 1930s.
OTHER NEWS
Russia ‘Deeply Disappointed’ With U.S. Withdrawal From Iran Deal
In a May 8 statement, Russia’s Foreign Ministry expressed “deep disappointment” with the U.S. decision to withdraw from its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for the Iranian nuclear program, describing the deal as “a multilateral agreement of the utmost importance.” (Russian Service)
Russian Hackers Attacked U.S. Voting Systems in 2016, Senate Panel Says
Hackers affiliated with the Russian government conducted an "unprecedented, coordinated" campaign against the U.S. voting system, including successfully penetrating a few voter-registration databases in 2016, a Senate committee has concluded.
Putin Hits Out At U.S. In Red Square Parade Speech
In a speech before a Red Square military parade marking the anniversary of Germany's defeat in World War II, Russian President Vladimir Putin cited "pretentions to exceptionalism" as a factor that drove Nazi aggression and said such attitudes remain a threat to global security today.
Chechen Parliament Proposes Revising Russian Presidential Term Limits
The Chechen parliament has announced a proposal to amend the Russian constitution to allow a presidential incumbent to serve three consecutive terms, instead of two. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov was quoted last month as declaring no alternative to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and objecting to limiting him to serving two presidential terms. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Adidas Backtracks On USSR Uniforms For FIFA Fans
A clothing line launched by German sportswear company Adidas ahead of this summer’s soccer World Cup in Russia imitates sports uniforms of the Soviet Union, complete with USSR lettering and a Soviet coat of arms. The design has drawn negative reactions online, including a statement from Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry describing it as “imperialist nostalgia.” (in Russian, Current Time TV)
The Mayor's Muscle: Moscow Leans On Cossack Brawn To Put Down Dissent
Ever since President Vladimir Putin declared in 2012 that it is "the state's task to help the Cossacks in every way," Cossack patrols have been bankrolled by the Moscow Mayor’s office to do everything from securing courthouses to forcibly dispersing political protests in the Russian capital.
Medvedev Announces Plan To Raise Retirement Age
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced on May 8 a plan by the government to raise Russia's retirement age, explaining that the current framework survives from the 1930s, when average life expectancy was about 40 years. (Russian Service)
Kazakhstan Creates New Military Branch To Fight Cyberthreats
Speaking on May 7 at a military parade marking Kazakhstan's national army day, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev said a new military branch has been established to protect the Central Asian country against cyberthreats.
Uzbek Journalist Walks Free After Closely Watched Trial
Imprisoned Uzbek journalist Bobomurod Abdullaev, whose trial has been watched closely by human rights groups, was convicted by a Tashkent city court on May 7 of calling for the government's overthrow but walked out of court a free man.
IRAN: Iran Reacts Angrily To U.S. Withdrawal From Nuke Deal